Should I Repair or Replace My Windshield?

You were driving along minding your own business when, suddenly, a stone kicked up and smacked into your windshield. Now, you're dealing with a windshield crack and you're trying to figure out what to do with it. 

Should you replace your windshield entirely? Or, do you need windshield repair instead? It depends on a number of factors, all of which we're going to discuss in detail below. 

Is the Crack In Your Window Longer Than a Dollar Bill?

One sign that you should replace your windshield is that the crack in it is longer than a dollar bill. Cracks of this length are almost sure to get bigger over time. And at some point, they could even cause your windshield to cave in on itself.

Repairing such a crack might seem to make a difference. However, in reality, it's just masking the real problem. Replacement is the only viable option when cracks are longer than a dollar bill. 

Is the Crack in Your Line of Sight? 

Another factor that affects whether you need replacement or repair is the location of the crack. In most cases, if the crack is in your line of sight while driving, your windshield is going to need to be replaced entirely. 

This is because a crack in one's line of sight is a major distraction. And while repair can help to sure up the strength of the windshield, it's not necessarily going to eliminate all sign of the crack. As such, the distraction is likely to remain, preventing the driver from putting their full attention on the road ahead. 

Some municipalities will actually fine you for driving around with a crack in your line of sight, even if the crack is on the small side. So, you shouldn't only replace your windshield for your own safety but to be in line with the law as well. 

Is the Crack on the Edge of Your Windshield?

It's not just cracks in your line of sight that necessitate a windshield replacement. It's cracks on the edges of your windshield as well.

If an edge of your windshield is cracked, your windshield is substantially structurally compromised. In truth, it's only a matter of time before the crack spreads rapidly, putting your windshield at risk of caving in. 

You might think that a repair would suffice for this type of crack. And it's true that a repair would help it cosmetically. However, when it comes to functionality, replacement is the only method that will make any difference. 

Does the Crack Go All the Way Through Your Windshield

Auto glass is fairly durable. Even substantial physical trauma can fail to put a full crack in a vehicle's windshield. As such, in many cases, these cracks show up on only one of the windshield's sides. 

As long as they're not too long and not located in the wrong areas (the ones discussed above) these half-cracks aren't a huge cause for concern. But if these cracks exist on both sides of the windshield, there's no doubt: you have to replace the windshield entirely. 

Full cracks are just waiting to spread. And when they do, they'll compromise the safety and functionality of your windshield. 

Windshield Replacement Costs

Now, you might be wondering: how much does it cost to replace a windshield? Prices can vary based on a number of factors, including the model of the vehicle and the area in which the replacement is occurring. 

Note, though, that most windshield replacements cost between $100 and $400. That is unless your replacement is covered by your auto insurance, in which case, you might only have to pay 50% of that cost, or, in some cases, none of that cost. 

Windshield Repair Costs

Windshield repair is much cheaper than windshield replacement. In most cases, a chip or small crack can be repaired for between $50 and $100. Make note, however, that many auto insurance companies waive the fees on windshield repairs. 

This is done as a courtesy to the vehicle owner. It's also done as a way to promote safe driving practices. 

What Causes Windshield Cracks?

There are a variety of factors that can lead to windshield cracks. These include but aren't limited to the following. 

Thrown Stones

Stones are common culprits for windshield cracks. This is because vehicles sometimes kick them up when taking off. The stones then fly through the air at high speed, sometimes coming into contact with windshields; a crack or chiph is the result. 

How do you avoid thrown stones? Maintain plenty of clearance with the vehicle in front of you and park your vehicle away from the road. 

Freezing Temperatures

Cold temperatures put tremendous strain on windshields. In some cases, these frigid temps alone can cause these windshields to break. In other cases, adding hot water to a frozen windshield can cause the windshield to break. 

You can't always avoid freezing temperatures with your automobile. However, if possible, park inside. 

Mishandled Wiper Arms

You go to swap out your windshield wipers. You have the wiper arm held up by the spring. All of a sudden, the arm slams down into the windshield, causing a sizeable crack. 

This is a lot more common than you'd think. So, when changing your windshield wipers, be careful. 

Hail

Hail can cause a windshield to crack as well. So, whenever possible, go ahead and park your vehicle in the garage. You never know when a hail storm might break out. 

Do You Need Windshield Repair in Addison?

Is your windshield in need of repair? Need windshield repair in Addison, specifically? If so, we here at Xtreme Auto Glass & Window Tint have you covered. 

The top windshield repair company in the Addison area, we're well-versed in the processes of both windshield repair and windshield replacement. Regardless of your needs, our team has you covered. 

Contact us today to get the ball rolling!